As summer heats up in La Plata County, the La Plata County Humane Society urges all dog owners to take extra precautions when traveling with pets. One of the most dangerous and easily overlooked risks is leaving a dog in a parked car, even for just a few minutes.
On a 75 degree Fahrenheit day, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise to 94 degrees in 10 minutes and hit 109 degrees within 30 minutes. On an 85 degree day, it can reach 104 degrees in just 10 minutes – even with windows cracked.
Dogs don’t sweat like humans. They cool themselves mostly by panting, and their bodies can overheat rapidly in a hot, enclosed space. Once their internal temperature climbs above 104 degrees, they risk heatstroke, which can lead to organ failure and death.
If it’s above 60 degrees outside, do not leave your dog alone in a vehicle, even for a short time. The risk of heatstroke is just too high without constant airflow, shade and monitoring. Hot pavement can burn paws, too. On a sunny 85 degree day, asphalt can reach 130 degrees, concrete sidewalks can exceed 125 degrees, dry dirt or sand can climb past 110 degrees. At these temperatures, your dog’s paw pads can burn within 60 seconds. To figure out if it is too hot, place the back of your hand on the ground for seven seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Try walking early in the morning or after sunset, stick to grassy or shaded trails, use dog boots or paw balm for protection, bring water and take breaks in the shade.
Colorado law (C.R.S. §18-9-202) makes it illegal to knowingly place an animal in a situation where it may suffer injury or death from heat. Under the state’s “Good Samaritan” law (§13-21-108.4), citizens are protected if they break into a vehicle to rescue a pet in distress – but only after calling 911, attempting to find the owner and staying with the animal until authorities arrive.
If you see heavy panting or drooling, rapid heartbeat, lethargy or confusion, vomiting or diarrhea, bright red or pale gums, collapse or seizure do the following:
- Move them to a cooler area immediately – preferably indoors with air conditioning or in the shade.
- Offer cool (not cold) water to drink.
- Wet their body with cool water, especially the belly, armpits and paws. Avoid ice water – it can cause shock.
- Use a fan or A/C to help lower their body temperature.
- Take them to a vet right away – even if they seem to recover. Internal damage can be delayed.
Never leave your pet in the car above 60 degrees. If you must bring your pet somewhere, use curbside pickup or bring a friend to stay with the car running and A/C on. Always carry water and plan dog-friendly stops on road trips. If you see a pet in distress in a car, call 911 or La Plata County Animal Protection at 385-2900 immediately.
Let’s work together to protect the pets we love!
Julie Dreyfuss is executive director of La Plata County Humane Society. For more information, visit www.lpchumanesociety.org.
